The National Sports Council (NSC) will this year honour the late George Linton a big way.
Linton, once described as a dominant force on the local cricket landscape, was a former Barbados and West Indies youth player. He died August 14 at the age of 57.
At the launch for the Guardian Group Herman Griffith 2014 Primary Schools’ Cricket Competition yesterday morning at Hilton Barbados, NSC cricket coach Anthony Straker revealed that the council will host the inaugural George Linton Memorial cricket series at the end of the school’s tournament.
Straker explained that the top cricketers for the series will be selected from across the eight zones and divided into four teams which will represent the North, West, East and Central in two semi–finals.
“George was a good man. He would have played an integral role not only at the Sports Council but particularly in relation to the Herman Griffith cricket tournament. He committed much of his time on and off the field and so we at the council thought this would be a good way to honour his contribution and his memory,” Straker told NATION SPORTS after the press briefing.
This year a total 61 teams will compete in the annual competition. This represented an increase of six schools over the 2013 showing.
For the 16th consecutive Guardian Group have lent their support to the tournament with a sponsorship of almost $20 000.
Speaking after the presentation of a $15 000 sponsorship cheque, Executive Manager at Guardian General Insurance Limited, Nigel Adams pledged the company’s continued commitment to the championship.
He told NATION SPORTS that for Guardian, supporting the tournament was not about getting their name out to the public but rather it was an opportunity to contribute to the society.
Highlighting the fact that boys and men were specifically plagued by negative comments, Adams said this competition was the chance to help to shape the lives of boys into productive young men.
“We’ve also sponsored the youth team in the [Barbados Cricket Association] BCA competition for 31 years and that speaks for itself that we are very committed to supporting the development of our youth. We believe there is some nexus between cricket and sports in general, and developing wholesome young people so Guardian is committed to that.
Where children are playing sports but they are being taught life skills, which is so important in today’s world. Where they are being taught how to accept defeat and how to accept victory with grace and not let it swell heads,” Adams added.
The tournament officially gets under way today when 2013 champs Wesley Hall Juniors compete against the St Giles Primary at Dover in Christ Church. (SDB Media)
